I specialize in the beautiful and striking effect of graphite pencil illustration. My drawings have won many awards and have been published on magazine covers, program covers & in a variety of publications. My inspiration comes from a life-long love of animals and nature. I offer my Limited Edition Equine and Canine Art Prints through my website, www.PencilPlace.com.

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Thursday, November 24, 2005

What is Graphic Design?

Graphic Design refers to a specialized area of the Visual Arts. Generally, Graphic Design is considered to be for commercial, advertising or educational purposes. It involves the enhancing of a product, service or information by designing a pleasing visual or set of visuals.

Traditionally, Graphic Design has included both creative preparation and execution of materials in the areas of: Logo Design, Corporate Identity, Brochure Design, Photo Retouching, Charts/Graphs/Diagrams, and other printed materials. Graphic Design can also include the preparation of 35mm Slide Presentations, Television Advertisements, Multi-Media Presentations, and other Visual Aids.

Today, the term Graphic Design also includes the rapidly expanded Web Design market. While a Graphic Designer may certainly specialize in one area, it is common to find designers with applicable knowledge is more than one discipline. A Graphic Designer may be expected to design entire websites, edit photos for both print and web use, and design printed materials which also have web applications.

Most of us are surrounded by Graphic Design work daily without even realizing it. Many of the web sites you visit involve the efforts of a Graphic Designer. Advertising Agencies employ many Graphic Designers to prepare the ads you see on television. And here are some more signs of Graphic Designers on the scene: the signage you see in front of businesses; the menu at last night's restaurant; the morning newspaper; the brochures at the doctor’s office; all those greeting cards at the store; and yes (unfortunately!) -- all that junk mail you receive.

In the past, a Graphic Designer could rely on predominately right-brain tendencies of being a “Creative” type. These days, a Graphic Designer needs to have a “balanced brain” in order to be successful. In the last two decades, computers and increasingly powerful graphic software programs have become a requirement to accomplish the work of a Graphic Designer. One must not only be “Creative,” but also possess the “Logic” skills to pilot numerous software programs, trouble shoot computing issues, etc.

Graphic Design is a highly rewarding career. Not only does it challenge an individual mentally, it also offers the opportunity to network with a wide variety of professionals in numerous fields. Graphic Design is also a great Work At Home opportunity. Once one is established (education, contacts, etc.), a Home Office can be the perfect option. Incomes vary and are dependant on a number of factors, including: area(s) of expertise, years of experience, business contacts, etc.

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Are you shopping for a Dog Lover? As a dog lover myself, I thought I'd share a few gift-giving ideas. Here are a some items you might consider for your Dog Lover Gift List:

Many Dog Lovers like to accessorize their pets in style! Check out colorful “Pet Wear” for that prized pooch. Favorite articles include Elastic Neck Ruffs and Bandana-syle Skollars which slide over the collar, eliminating messy strings and velcro. One talented artisan selling these items is Pammer’s Pet Wear (available through pencilplace.com.)

Another great Dog Lover Gift Idea is Embroidered Collars and Leashes. These are terrific items. This is a opportunity to purchase a personalized gift at a relatively low cost. And, if you chose to add a phone number to Spot’s name, the collar and/or leash may be a life-saver one day should Spot gets lost!

Dog Treats are always in demand and welcomed as a gift by any Dog Lover. Try searching for either “Holistic” and/or “Organic” Dog Treats to find the very best products. The word “Natural” has been a bit over-used in advertising and is therefore not a premium search word. One last note: When you purchase Organic Treats, you buy not only a top-quality gift item, but you also help Organic Producers!

For a truly luxurious Dog Lover Gift, try a New Zealand Sheepskin Rug! These rugs are made from natural sheepskin, and are even machine washable. They are incredibly soft, and make much nicer resting places for dogs than synthetic rugs and pads. Some of the best rugs come straight from New Zealand to you -- from outofnz.com.

Always appreciated by the Dog Lover is a Gift of Dog Art. Try a Limited Edition Dog Art Print as a very special gift. As Limited Edition Prints are signed and numbered by the artist, they have inherent value, but tend to cost much less than original works of art. A wide variety of Dog Breed Art Prints are available from pencilplace.com.

Here is an idea for Doberman Pinscher Dog Lovers: Special Needs Dobermans holds frequent auctions of Doberman-Related items. (Special Needs Dobermans auctions) You can bid on and win a special gift AND contribute to the needs of some truely special Dobe!

Also, for the special Greyhound Dog Lover in your life, try visiting the Houston GPA website. They have a large Gift Shop full of Greyhound related gifts!

Are you shopping for a Horse Lover? As a horse lover myself, I thought I'd share a few gift-giving ideas. Here are a some items you might consider for your Animal Lover Gift List:

Horse Lover Gifts are simple to find as horse lovers are easier to please than you might think! For a solid, time-honored choice, try a T-Shirt or Sweater with an imprinted or emroidered horse design. Anyone who has horses can tell you that it just isn’t the cleanest hobby. T-shirt and sweaters get soiled quickly and wear out frequently -- more are always welcome! Among other sites, CafePress.com/KelliSwan has a wide selection of shirt styles with equine art imprints.

Another much-appreciated Horse Lover Gift is Gloves. Depending upon the recipient’s location, either summer, winter, or all-weather gloves may be appropriate. If the horse lover is a rider, make sure the gloves specifically state “riding gloves.” Riding Gloves are specially made to be durable and yet flexible enough for handling reins. Also, don’t scrimp on this purchase. Your horse friend knows how quickly gloves where out in this sport -- buy the best quality you can afford. If cold weather is involved, consider giving Silk Glove or Sock Liners too.

When Horse Lovers aren’t with their critters, they still like to show off their affection for Equus! Try a special piece of Jewelry such as a pendant, bracelet or earrings. If you aren’t sure what breed of horse your friend has, or what riding style he/she participates in, try purchasing a “general” horse theme design -- one without a saddle, bridle or rider on it.

Always appreciated by the Horse Lover is a Gift of Horse Art. Try a Limited Edition Horse Art Print as a very special gift. As Limited Edition Prints are signed and numbered by the artist, they have inherent value, but tend to cost much less than original works of art. A wide variety of horse prints are available from PencilPlace.com.

And when Horse Lovers aren’t riding or in the barn cleaning, they are often times at the computer emailing their other horse lover friends! Thanks to new printing methods, you can now purchase a wide variety of computer Mouse Pads with Equine Themes. These make great low-cost gifts that can be used and appreciated daily.

Animal Lover Gifts come in many shapes, sizes and price ranges. The easiest way to shop is to start with the correct “Critter Category!” If you are buying for a varied-critter home, try a Gift Certificate to a major Pet Superstore. This gift is greatly appreciated as your family member or friend can pick out a wide variety of food, bedding, treats and/or supplies for their 4-legged friend(s)!

One nice Cat Lover Gift Idea is Embroidered Cat Collars. This is a opportunity to purchase a personalized gift at a relatively low cost. And, if you chose to add a phone number to Fluffy’s name, the collar may be a life-saver one day should Fluffy gets lost! Designer Collars decorated with gems and other unique embellishments are also available.

Horse Lover Gifts are simple to find as horse lovers are easier to please than you might think! For a solid, time-honored choice, try a T-Shirt or Sweater with an imprinted or emroidered horse design. Anyone who has horses can tell you that it just isn’t the cleanest hobby. T-shirt and sweaters get soiled quickly and wear out frequently -- more are always welcome! (Among other sites, CafePress.com/KelliSwan has a wide selection of shirt styles with equine art imprints.)

For the Dog Lover on your Animal Lover list try a Gift of Dog Art. A Limited Edition Art Print makes a very special gift. As Limited Edition Prints are signed and numbered by the artist, they have inherent value, but tend to cost much less than original works of art. There are plenty of sites to browse. For starters try the wide variety of Dog Breed Art Prints available from PencilPlace.com.

For the Small Animal Lover Gift there are still many options. Gift items such as Calendars, Figurines, Jewelry and T-Shirts are now available for rabbits, mice, hamsters, ferrets, gerbils and many more animal themes.

Memorial Donations are a wonderful idea to consider. Remember a friend’s favorite passed loved one with a donation to the local Humane Society or Rescue Group. Generally, your Animal Loving Friend will receive a nice note from the charity -- confirming your gift. It will warm someone’s heart and help a great animal cause too!

Monday, November 21, 2005

I have recently published a new website, AnimalLoverGiftPlace.com. This site is intended to offer a few creative Gift Ideas for those shoppers who need to purchase a Gift for an Animal Lover, a Horse Lover or a Dog Lover. There are many Animal Lover Gift Ideas, and this site should provide a "jump-start" for shopping. The perfect Horse Lover Gift or Dog Lover Gift may be just a few mouse clicks away! Of course, don't forget to consider a Limited Edition Art Print for your fellow Pet Lover. Horse Art, Dog Art and Animal Art are favorite themes of Artists!